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Independence

By: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Narrated by: Sneha Mathan
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Publisher's Summary

“Divakaruni tells the story of India’s independence through the eyes of three sisters, each of whom is uniquely different, with her own desires and flaws. I cheered for them and cried with them as they move through the history of their country that is at once devastating, inspiring, and triumphant. You will, too.”—Lisa See, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Set during the partition of British India in 1947, a time when neighbor was pitted against neighbor and families were torn apart, award-winning author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s novel brings to life the sweeping story of three sisters caught up in events beyond their control, their unbreakable bond, and their incredible struggle against powerful odds.

India, 1947.

In a rural village in Bengal live three sisters, daughters of a well-respected doctor.

Priya: intelligent and idealistic, resolved to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a doctor, though society frowns on it.

Deepa: the beauty, determined to make a marriage that will bring her family joy and status.

Jamini: devout, sharp-eyed, and a talented quiltmaker, with deeper passions than she reveals.

Theirs is a home of love and safety, a refuge from the violent events taking shape in the nation. Then their father is killed during a riot, and even their neighbors turn against them, bringing the events of their country closer to home.

As Priya determinedly pursues her career goal, Deepa falls deeply in love with a Muslim, causing her to break with her family. And Jamini attempts to hold her family together, even as she secretly longs for her sister’s fiancè.

When the partition of India is officially decided, a drastic—and dangerous—change is in the air. India is now for Hindus, Pakistan for Muslims. The sisters find themselves separated from one another, each on different paths. They fear for what will happen to not just themselves, but each other.

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni outdoes herself with this deeply moving story of sisterhood and friendship, painting an account of India’s independence simultaneously exhilarating and devastating, that will make any listener—new or old—a devoted fan.

©2023 Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

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  • 01-06-2023

Simply Exquisite

The threads of time interwoven with colors if every emotion and presented against a backdrop of my Motherland. An intricate beautifully crafted story. Thank you to the author and narrator. Dhanyavaad Shukriya 🙏🏽

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  • 08-09-2023

Great story set in a turbulent time

This book reinforced the gaps in my own education. Growing up in Australia we were taught very little in school about how India's independence came about. My own readings as an adult has opened my eyes to the horrors that unfolded during this time.

**spoiler ahead**

What I particularly enjoyed about this book was that it was true to life. There was no "happily ever after" in a cliched way in this book. It was a true reflection of life's struggles, and ultimately very uplifting story of family bonds and overcoming adversity to forge ahead and live your life.

Again, Sneha Mathan's beautiful voice enhances the author's words.

I am thoroughly enjoying the audiobooks by Indian authors I had not discovered until I found them on Audible.

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